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California Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Ban Fur Sales Statewide

One California legislator is hoping the state will follow San Francisco’s lead and ban all sales of fur and fur products.

The bill, proposed by Assembly member Laura Friedman, would apply to clothing and accessories including, but not limited to, “handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, and keychains, that is made in whole or in part of fur.”

Friedman represents the Burbank and Glendale areas of Los Angeles County. The city of Los Angeles started the process of banning fur sales in September, after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors decided on the issue in March. Berkeley and West Hollywood also have bans in place.

Not only would Friedman’s bill make it illegal to sell fur products, giving them as a gift would also be prohibited.

The exact wording of the legislation reads, “This bill would make it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give, donate, or otherwise distribute a fur product, as defined, in the state.”

If passed, someone caught violating the law would be subject to a $500 fine for the first offense, and more for subsequent violations. Additional damages could also be sought through civil action, with the money recuperated going to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund.

San Francisco’s ban on fur sales is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. A plan to do the same in Los Angeles allows retailers until 2020 to comply.